Joe was born December 30, 1931, in McLean, Texas, to Vera and Matt Abbott. He was the youngest of nine children. The family moved to Canyon when Joe was three years old.
While at CHS, Joe participated in football, track, and basketball. He served as co-captain of the football team. During his basketball career, Joe was named to the All District, All Region, and All State Basketball Teams. He was also selected as the Most Valuable Player in the annual all-star game played by all classifications of Texas" schools in 1950.
Joe"s class elected him as their junior class president. He was chosen as the Basketball King and was elected by the student body as Personality King in 1949 and again in 1950. Joe was also a member of FFA during his four years at Canyon High School.
Joe attended West Texas State College from 1950 until 1952 as a basketball recruit. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956.
Joe Abbott and Ruby Lee Bonds were married on July 20, 1951, and are the parents of three daughters. Their family also includes their three son-in-laws, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He has been in the residential and commercial construction business since 1956.
During his lifetime, Joe has been responsible for helping many different individuals. This helps may have been in the form of a loan, a pat on the back, a job, or just helping someone through tough times by listening and being a true friend.
